Effectiveness of telerehabilitation on chronic low back Pain: Systematic review and Meta-Analysis

The success of telerehabilitation in comparison with conventional rehabilitation in the management of chronic low back pain remains uncertain. This study investigates the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in reducing pain and disability in chronic low back pain, compared to conventional rehabilitation.

A search was conducted across electronic databases, including Medline/PubMed, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 2). Data synthesis included pooled mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated using a random-effects model. The two groups' mean differences in function and pain intensity were the main outcomes. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I² and Chi² tests, and pooled mean differences and 95% CI were calculated using a random-effects model.

Eight studies were included in the review. The pain intensity findings showed the pooled mean difference was 0.12 (95 % CI: -0.23 to 0.48), slightly favoring the control group. For functional disability, the pooled mean difference was -0.43 (95 % CI: -4.12 to 3.26), slightly favoring telerehabilitation; however, both results were not statistically significant. Significant heterogeneity was observed across studies for both outcomes (I² = 43 % for pain intensity, I² = 70 % for functional disability), suggesting substantial variability among the included studies.

No significant differences were found between telerehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation for chronic low back pain, but the small number of studies and heterogeneity limit firm conclusions. Larger trials are needed to confirm these findings.

PROSPERO (CRD42022375048).